Fraas - The Scarf Company
FRAAS – The Scarf Company was founded by Valentin Fraas in 1880 in Upper Franconia, Germany. The head office and factory still remains there to this day, and lead by the same knowledgeable family and tradition. At the helm of this long-standing tradition are Robert Schmidt, as CEO, and Andreas and Alexander Schmidt, who have followed in their father’s footsteps and are the fifth generation of the family to manage the company.
With over 135 years of experience, FRAAS has expanded with sales offices across the globe, as well as opened one of the most modern knitting mills in Zhangjiagang, China. The company quickly outgrew its home in Franconia and developed further into an international manufacturer in 1982. Subsidiaries in New York (with another in-house design team), Toronto, London and Hong Kong were founded. Sales offices later followed in the Czech Republic, Russia, Poland, Japan and Korea. The first FRAAS shop in Germany was opened in 2005 in Berlin, coinciding with the company’s 125-year anniversary. The following year, another five FRAAS stores and online shop were opened in Germany. Today, there are stores across the globe, from Johannesburg, South Africa to Tehran, Iran.
Sustainability and responsibility is something we take to heart. We are committed to transparent production, even if this makes our products more expensive than the fast fashion items out there. We do not just take responsibility for our products, but also for the 600 people we employ around the world. Those who want to ensure their production is environmentally friendly need to invest in their facilities. Our use of state of the art technology has significantly reduced our electricity usage and gas requirements. Many of our scarves are woven, dyed and finished in Germany, this means energy and resources can be preserved at the production and distribution stage. Thus, our scarves look good, feel good and ensure an even better carbon footprint. As true Franconians, we hate waste. Our motto is: the best waste is no waste.
When most people think FRAAS, they think Cashmink®. This quality is made from our patented weaving and brushing technique, so you cannot find Cashmink® anywhere else. It was developed in 1985 and to this day, it is still 100% Made in Germany. The fiber is finer than any natural fiber and is in fact 20% finer than cashmere. Its incomparable softness, hypo-allergenic properties and optimal thermal insulation provide the highest level of warmth, comfort, vibrancy, and value.
The next most recognizable FRAAS aspect is our plaid. The original FRAAS Plaid was created shortly after the initiation of the company. It was first woven as a classic wool scarf, then on the finest cashmere, and now it is our best seller on our patented Cashmink® fabric. Today, FRAAS is the biggest scarf manufacturer in the world and our plaid reveals its versatility in all possible forms and materials.
Every aspect going into a scarf is carefully considered – from initial design, to selecting the softest fibre, to final production going to the customer - no detail is left unturned. Today, FRAAS relies on the perfect mix of tried-and-tested quality standards, trends, sustainable production and fresh ideas for its products. Scarves are our world, our tradition, our passion and our heritage. Since 1880.
